Age of shopping becoming a battlefield – where we are criticized from all angles, when and how to spend the dollar – Supporting local small businesses can feel like a quiet revolution. By buying locally and shopping online, we invest in community, sustainability and integrity. This is a way to support businesses that enrich the neighborhood. It creates employment for your friends and family. It maintains the value you can stand behind.
That’s why my 2025 New Year’s resolution reads:Small or go shopping at all.” (I admire the person I like Leslie Stevensanyone trying to stop “No Buy 2025” – it’s like playing in Expert mode. ) And so far, my little shopping year has been an explosion – I met people in my community, discovered the best moisturizer I’ve used in the Pennsylvania farmers market (they don’t have a website – you need to call a phone number)Thank you Abel! ).
So today, please respect me Today’s economic power outage – Days to refrain from shopping at all major retailers – I would like to share a few small businesses that I’ve been using recently. (Maybe you might share it too?) Whether you shop for a gift, a throw pillow, or something that feels good, these startups offer more than just a product. They support the community.
It was located: Philadelphia, PA
transaction: Yowie Curates small collections of independent artists and designers. After starting as a pop-up and growing into a full-fledged retail space, Yowie expanded into hospitality with a boutique hotel (!) that blends retail, accommodation and community space. Come to the ceramics of designs and stay for events and workshops.
shopping: Handmade gifts, incredible coffee table books, unexpected decorations.
It was located: Montreal, Canada
transaction: Are you trying to sourise sustainable, ethically-made household items without taking on the entire research project? Goodie It’s here for you. (Until at least March 4th, tariffs add a 25% charge to American orders.) The brothers behind Goode are partners with artisans and brands around the world, offering limited edition exclusive products that support traditional crafts and communities.
It’s perfect for: Beautiful daily essentials, heirloom quality linen, sustainable contrast furniture.
It was located: New York, New York
transaction: Portman Toh We offer one of the best online vintage collections in the world. (I am fully anticipating a gust of texts from angry designers today. It was frustrating to have revealed their destinations for roommaking pieces of any era.)
It’s perfect for: Warm, charming and soulful vintage for each budget.
It was located: Brooklyn, New York
transaction: Liches It works as a design incubator and retail space, focusing on accessible and functional design. The founders aim to create a community hub that promotes creativity and collaboration among designers and shoppers. This is the Plato ideal of the shopping environment detailed above.
It’s perfect for: Iconic design stubborn, small batch home tools, sustainably designed household items.
It was located: Toronto, Canada
transaction: Released in 2020, curve They hope to bring artistically inspired household items into their daily living spaces. Suitable Case: The brand was launched with an incredible collection of rugs and decorations inspired by the iconic album covers.
It’s perfect for: The perfect gift for your terminal online friends (I might suggest Iconic chair blanket? ), reusable tote making statements, and unique flooring.
It was located: Montclair, New Jersey
transaction: Johanna Howard Home It combines the traditions of Swedish textiles with the craftsmanship of modern artisans. result? Sustainable pillows, slows and table linens counting Oprah (!) as a vocal fan.
It’s perfect for: A stunning table runner, blankets woven to continue testing the season, and Scandi-style pillows (designed by the Swedes, less!).
It was located: Detroit, Michigan
transaction: Wood Ward Throwback Create furniture and household items from recycled materials, especially materials supplied from abandoned buildings in Detroit. They create bespoke pieces, employ local workers, and work with organizations that help renew Detroit cities. (And don’t even start vintages!)
It’s perfect for: Classic American vintage, architectural rescue, handmade regeneration pieces in every room.
It was located: Cedar Rapids, Ia
transaction: After being fired during the pandemic, Candice Router She went to create collections with giants such as Target, West Elm, Bloomingdale, and All Modern, so she was the first to jump into her weaving practice. The project, which began on the dining room floor, currently living in a warehouse, employs five Midwest women and has grown into an overall home business with furniture and ceramics.
It’s perfect for: Small batches, customizable furniture, textured accent pieces, fresh art.
It was located: New York, New York
transaction: Enthusiasts of architecture, fresh design – think of Frank Lloyd Light Meatba House – this is for you! trnk Customizable, customised furniture with modern lines and perfect proportions. (Ps. Along with the in-house product line, they have a selection of household items from a handful of global artists…and curation top notch. )
It’s perfect for: Showcase lighting, geometric tables, rugs (Terra Collection!) and beautifully woven seats.
It was located: Los Angeles, California
transaction: ifsthetic It was released after the founder struggled to find work for his own home. “Everfything was either Beige or Boucle,” she told Good Housekeeping and decided to launch a business offering Maximalist work. (Think solid brass coasters, geometric candles, hand-woven Moroccan rugs, and limited edition pillows.)
It’s perfect for: Grinning textiles, eye-catching candle holders, Cormandomingo approved slippers (Seriously).
And now I need to know – did you feel the same way? Did someone else feel that their shopping habits would change? Which businesses are you proud to support? I’d like to hear about them. xx
Source: Shopping – Emily Henderson – stylebyemilyhenderson.com
